ASA Filament

ASA is the outdoor 3D printer filament. It has the strength and heat resistance of ABS and adds UV stability, so parts keep their colour and strength in the Australian sun. ASA needs a heated bed and prints best in an enclosure. We stock ASA in 1.75 mm on plastic spools, including carbon fibre and glass fibre filled grades.

Types of ASA we stock

• Standard ASA and ASA V2 for outdoor and automotive parts.
• ASA CF for stiff, matte, dimensionally stable parts. The Nature3D ASA CF is 10% carbon fibre by weight.
• ASA GF for stiffness with less nozzle wear than carbon fibre.

What ASA is good for

ASA suits anything that lives outside or in a vehicle: brackets, mounts, enclosures, garden fittings, 4WD and caravan parts, signage. It holds its shape to roughly 95 to 100°C, which covers a car interior in summer. Like ABS it gives off fumes while printing, so use an enclosure with ventilation or filtration.

Print settings

ASA CF and ASA GF need a hardened nozzle. Free slicer profiles are available, and data sheets are in the TDS library.

Common questions

Is ASA better than PETG for outdoor use?

ASA is the better choice for long term outdoor parts. ASA is UV stable and holds its shape to roughly 95 to 100°C, where PETG softens at about 75°C and slowly degrades in full sun. PETG is easier to print and fine for parts in the shade.

Does ASA need an enclosure?

ASA prints best in an enclosure. ASA shrinks as it cools, so draughts cause warping and layer splitting, especially on larger parts. Small ASA parts can work on an open printer with a draught shield, but an enclosed printer is far more reliable.

Will ASA survive in a hot car?

ASA is a common choice for car interior parts because it holds its shape to roughly 95 to 100°C and resists UV light. PLA and PETG can both soften on a dashboard in an Australian summer. ASA and ABS are the usual materials for that job.

Do I need a hardened nozzle for ASA CF?

ASA CF needs a hardened steel or similar wear resistant nozzle. Carbon fibre is abrasive and will wear a brass nozzle quickly. A 0.6 mm nozzle is a good size for carbon fibre filled filament because it is less likely to clog than 0.4 mm.